La Liga 2012–13 Season Review: Barcelona's Dominance and Messi's Record
The 2012–13 La Liga season, spanning from August 18, 2012, to June 1, 2013, was a masterclass in offensive football and tactical discipline. Defined by a fierce rivalry at the top and a desperate struggle for survival at the bottom, the season saw 20 teams compete across 380 matches in one of the most competitive eras of Spanish football.
FC Barcelona emerged as the undisputed champions, securing their 22nd league title with a staggering 100 points. Their campaign was characterized by an unrelenting attack and a historic winning streak, cementing their place as the dominant force in the league.
Key Facts
- Champions: Barcelona (22nd title) with 100 points.
- Top Scorer: Lionel Messi with a record-breaking 46 goals.
- Best Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (0.78 goals conceded per match).
- Relegated Teams: Mallorca, Deportivo La Coruña, and Zaragoza.
- Highest Attendance: 96,589 for the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid clash.
- Total Goals: 1,091 goals scored (average of 2.87 per match).
League Performance and Standings
Barcelona's path to the title was nearly flawless, recording 32 wins, 4 draws, and only 2 losses. They boasted the most potent offense in the league, scoring 115 goals. Following them were Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, who both secured Champions League qualification alongside Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
While the top of the table was a battle of giants, the bottom was a fight for survival. Mallorca, Deportivo La Coruña, and Zaragoza were ultimately relegated to the Segunda División (the second tier of Spanish football). Zaragoza suffered the most difficult campaign, enduring a 15-match winless run.
Below is a summary of the top performers and the relegated teams from the 2012–13 season:
| Position | Team | Points | Status/Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 100 | Champions / Champions League |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 85 | Champions League |
| 3 | Atlético Madrid | 76 | Champions League |
| 4 | Real Sociedad | 66 | Champions League Play-off |
| 18 | Mallorca | 36 | Relegated |
| 19 | Deportivo La Coruña | 35 | Relegated |
| 20 | Zaragoza | 34 | Relegated |
Individual Brilliance and Awards
The season was headlined by the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi, who swept the major awards as both the Best Player and Best Forward, netting an incredible 46 goals. His playmaking was equally impressive, though Andrés Iniesta led the league in assists with 16.
Defensively, Atlético Madrid was the gold standard. They conceded the fewest goals in the league (31) and achieved the most clean sheets (20). This defensive solidity was anchored by Thibaut Courtois, who won the Zamora Trophy—an award given to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio.
Top Goalscorers
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona): 46 goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): 34 goals
- Radamel Falcao (Atlético Madrid): 28 goals
- Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla): 25 goals
- Roberto Soldado (Valencia): 24 goals
Managerial Shifts and Stadiums
The season saw significant movement on the touchline. Barcelona entered the season under Tito Vilanova, replacing Pep Guardiola. Other notable managerial changes occurred at Valencia, where Ernesto Valverde eventually took over, and at Sevilla, where Unai Emery returned to lead the team.
In terms of infrastructure, the Camp Nou remained the largest venue, hosting an average of 71,120 fans per game, followed closely by Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu. The smallest average attendance was recorded at Getafe's Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the La Liga title in the 2012–13 season?
FC Barcelona won the title, securing their 22nd championship with a total of 100 points.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score during this season?
Lionel Messi scored a remarkable 46 goals, earning him the awards for Best Player and Best Forward.
Which teams were relegated to the Segunda División?
The three teams relegated at the end of the season were Mallorca, Deportivo La Coruña, and Zaragoza.
Who won the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeper?
Thibaut Courtois of Atlético Madrid won the trophy, conceding only 0.78 goals per match.
Which team had the best defensive record?
Atlético Madrid had the best defense, conceding only 31 goals and keeping 20 clean sheets throughout the season.